CHAPTER 9: Encounter

"Stop it, it's not funny." I told them before they could tease me.

"I know. If yes, you would probably tell us directly. You are not the type of person who will lie just for this kind of thing. I am just freaking wondering, who is that freaking person who freaking sent you those? By the way, Haria already told me that so don't be surprised." Gray tried to explain but he doesn't need to do that anymore. They are sharing every single thing they can with each other.

"Of course she did, and could you please stop that freaking thing of yours?" I replied and Haria's face looked so guilty about it. Gray just laughed it out. However, it's not a big deal to me though because I am also wondering about the person behind these flowers and keychain, what he really wants from me? I am starting to get distracted by that person. I am trying to avoid thinking about those unfortunate things happened to me but there is really another one who will keep on running in my mind at this time when I need to focus myself on something more important.

"You look so curious about it too, oh well, who wouldn't? We are all thinking about the same thought. What if it's really your father trying to make it up to you, Ariadne. What will you do?" Gray asked me which made me sigh. I held the tupperware tightly and put it back in the refrigerator. I then sat with them at the dining table.

"I actually don't know what to do if that happens. The memories are still vivid to me, but he is my father. I think I would give him a chance but it will take time for me to be comfortable with him again in the same house." I told what I really felt. I don't need to hide my situation to them since they are the only ones I can open up to. They have been there for me when I need them, even though Gray was not always here because of his work.

"I understand you but, you know, you can just stay here. I know he is your father and you love him so much but Ariadne, come to think of it. He already did it once, it's not far that he will do it again. It will be easy for him to gain your trust because you love him. However, it's not what I can see and what I could feel. I just want you to be safe, he is your father but he is too much. He was acting like you were never from him, he was hurting you, treating you like a maid, too much, but you were there for him through ups and downs. When Auntie died, he became a monster. Sorry to hurt your feelings but that's the truth. He was using you. And I can't handle seeing you in that way." Haria told me. She is right, every person who will know my story will say that I need to run from my father but I just can't. If only he never did that kind of thing to me, sell me to that old man. I think I am still there in the house, serving him. I am worried, yes. But thinking that he might go crazy being alone makes me sick and wants to go back there and tell him it's all okay. But that's not life, it's been a long time since I experienced that. I am just asking for a short time of break. I hope I can get it.

"Perhaps, you are safe here. You can stay in this condo for as long as you want, it will never be a problem for us. I also want it since I know that Haria has you here, she will never be alone when I am not around and at work. What do you think, Ariadne? Don't think about paying bills or splitting stuff and payment since I will be the one to take care of that." Gray offered. I smiled at him.

"Of course, but I can't do that split thing you were saying. I want to help with bills and such, I don't want to be a burden to you two. Just let me help and I will not make myself a problem." I told them, and because they know they will not stop me from doing so, they just agreed with me.

"Fine, just don't force yourself. Especially now that you just got a new job, you need to enjoy it more first," he insisted. I just nod my head at them.

"Okay, alright. Thank you both, but now, I need to get ready for work. See you later," I told them and left the kitchen.

I went to my room and dressed myself before going to bed. I saw the keychain there, should I grab it and put it in my bag? I sighed and took it. I think it's not that hard if I keep it inside my bag for a while. I don't care who sent this or what his or her purpose is but maybe this can help me some time.

I took my phone to the side table when I saw the notification pop up. I sat on the bed while holding my bag, I sighed as I saw a message. It's from my father. I bit my lips as I pressed the button to open the message he sent. Of course he has my number. I took a lot of courage before opening it. There are so many what if's in my mind before doing if but at the end of my endless thoughts, I know I will still be curious.

My mind went blank as I read it.

'You can not escape me.'

That was the message written. My heart aches, the pain goes back. I thought I was somehow okay. I thought he already regretted his actions towards me but it looks like he will keep on haunting me. I was like a prey trying to avoid the predator. I don't know if he already knew my location, he never asked for Haria's address so I am confident he will never see me here, but my father if not dumb. I know he can do that, he has so many connections.

I did not realize that some tears started flowing down my cheeks as I held my phone tightly. I need to protect myself.

I need to, because no one will do it for me.